News Summary

An alarming audit reveals that over 80% of New York City schools with asbestos have not been inspected according to federal standards. This shocking discovery has raised concerns among parents, teachers, and students, as nearly 1,700 schools have gone unchecked since March 2021. Compliance rates vary significantly across boroughs, with Brooklyn recording the lowest inspection completion rate at just 13%. The Department of Education faces urgent calls for action to enhance safety protocols and ensure a safe learning environment for all.

New York City Schools in Hot Water Over Asbestos Inspections

Wildly Noncompliant Numbers Leave Many Worried

New York City, the bustling metropolis known for its iconic skyline and vibrant culture, is facing a pressing issue within its school system. A recent audit revealed that a staggering over 80% of schools containing asbestos have not been inspected according to federal standards. That’s right, nearly 1,700 schools have been left unchecked since March 2021, triggering alarm bells for parents, teachers, and students alike.

What’s the Rule Again?

To put things into perspective, back in 1986, the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) was established to ensure schools kept their environments safe. This law mandates schools with asbestos-containing materials to undergo inspections every three years to safeguard everyone’s health and well-being. However, the New York City Department of Education (DOE) has fallen woefully short. Instead of the required 480 inspections per year, the DOE only conducted between 200 and 250 inspections over the three-year period leading up to the audit.

Follow-Up Inspections? Not So Much

Perhaps even more concerning, only 22% of required follow-up inspections were completed when the DOE did get around to checking schools. This is alarming, especially considering the health risks associated with asbestos, which can lead to lung disease and even cancer. To make matters worse, a historical look shows that, since 1997, only 11% of schools have properly passed inspection cycles. That’s not just a minor oversight; it’s a massive gap in safety protocol.

Compliance: A Tale of Boroughs

When examining areas of the city, it’s evident that compliance is far from uniform. Schools in Brooklyn showed the lowest compliance rates, with just 13% of required inspections completed. Queens followed with 16%, Staten Island managed 21%, Manhattan came in at 20%, and the Bronx fared slightly better at 25%. P.S. 107 in Brooklyn hasn’t seen a required inspection since 2008, raising significant eyebrows and concerns about safety.

Call to Action: Now or Never

This alarming finding is set to be made public soon and is sparking an urgent call for action. It’s clear that the city needs to step up and tighten compliance with federal guidelines. The DOE has already signaled its intent to enlist more contractors to help conduct the much-needed inspections. They also seem to be on board with some key recommendations from the audit. These include improving training for custodians, better record-keeping, and enhancing overall oversight in the management of asbestos.

We Can Do Better

The audit has highlighted “significant gaps in oversight” when it comes to the asbestos inspection process. This is a public health crisis waiting to unfold. Concerns are being raised across the board, emphasizing the potential danger posed by harmful asbestos fibers. Such exposure can lead to serious health issues, and it’s crucial that we take these findings seriously.

DOE’s Response: A Mixed Bag

Although the DOE claims they conduct ongoing inspections and testing to maintain safety in schools, their history with compliance leaves much to be desired. Schools appear to be in a precarious situation, where policies meant to protect students may not be effective enough to ensure their well-being. Moreover, while officials argue that measures are in place to test for asbestos before any construction work, it’s evident that a comprehensive plan is needed to ensure no child, teacher, or staff member is at risk.

The Bottom Line

As the city grapples with these alarming inspection failures, the safety of students and staff hangs in the balance. It’s time for New York City to take immediate steps to improve its compliance with federal regulations and ensure that every school is a safe place for learning.

New York City Schools Face Asbestos Inspection Crisis